The 60s Band That Deserved More
A psychedelic rock powerhouse undone by a disastrous marketing strategy and legal troubles.
Moby Grape was a San Francisco-based rock band and one of the most talented and ill-fated bands of the 1960s. They had the perfect combination of tight three-part harmonies, multiple songwriters, and a seamless blend of rock, folk, blues, and psychedelia. Unlike many bands of the time, all five members were strong musicians, and they could all sing, write, and play multiple instruments.
Their self-titled debut album, Moby Grape, released in 1967, is often considered one of the greatest albums of the psychedelic era. It was a perfect mix of catchy melodies, intricate guitar work, and dynamic songwriting, standing out in the crowded San Francisco music scene. Songs like "Omaha," "Hey Grandma," and "8:05" showcased their range—powerful rock, dreamy folk, and bluesy grit all on the same record.
Moby Grape, is considered a lost classic, but their career was derailed by poor management, legal disputes, and a disastrous marketing campaign in which Columbia Records released five singles at once, diluting their impact.
Listen to their debut album plus some of their most popular songs free and uninterrupted use ☰ to select track, first track is their full début album
Moby Grape's classic lineup consisted of five members, all of whom were talented multi-instrumentalists, vocalists, and songwriters:
Jerry Miller – Lead guitar, vocals
Don Stevenson – Drums, vocals
Peter Lewis – Rhythm guitar, vocals
Bob Mosley – Bass, vocals
Skip Spence – Guitar, vocals
Skip Spence had originally been the drummer for Jefferson Airplane before switching to guitar for Moby Grape. His later struggles with mental illness led to his departure from the band, though he left behind an influential legacy, including his acclaimed solo album Oar.
Each member contributed to the band's unique sound, blending elements of psychedelic rock, folk, blues, and country with tight harmonies and powerful songwriting.